Mykhailo Mudryk’s suspension for failing an anti-doping test has unexpectedly handed Chelsea a major advantage in surviving UEFA’s strict financial restrictions.

The Ukrainian winger, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, remains on £97,000-a-week wages, but his absence from the club’s UEFA “A” list frees up around £17m in annual costs.

That saving is critical in allowing the Blues to register their five big summer arrivals – Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap and Estevao Willian, for the Champions League.

UEFA fined Chelsea £27m in July for previous breaches and imposed squad cost restrictions.

By excluding Mudryk and selling Noni Madueke to Arsenal for £52m, a deal that unlocked an additional £20m of flexibility, Chelsea are balancing their books while overhauling their squad.

Additional exits, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Mathis Amougou, on-loan Jadon Sancho’s wages, and backup players such as Marc Guiu and Lucas Bergstrom, have further eased the burden.

Chelsea may also submit fewer than 25 players on their official list, while relying on academy talents like Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George through the UEFA “B” list.

Meanwhile, Carney Chukwuemeka has also finalised a permanent £24m move to Borussia Dortmund, with Chelsea securing a 30% sell-on clause.

Nicolas Jackson’s departure is also in motion, with Bayern Munich leading the race in a deal that could bring in £60m.

The club remains active in the market, with Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons both under consideration.